24/09/2025
I have recently completed my MSc thesis titled “Do turnout rugs impact the stride length of the horse?” In this study, a cohort of ten horses of varying size, age, and breed were evaluated at both walk and trot on an arena surface, with and without the application of a turnout rug. Mean stride length in each gait and condition was calculated per horse, and data were subjected to statistical analysis.
The results indicated that the use of a 0 g turnout rug had no statistically significant effect on stride length in this sample population. In contrast, a recent preliminary study by Troup et al. (2025) reported that stride length decreased with increasing rug number and thickness in a group of 12 horses, with horses wearing layered rugs over a 28-day period demonstrating a significant reduction in stride length. These findings suggest that while lightweight rugs may not influence stride mechanics, rug weight and layering may have measurable biomechanical implications for equine movement and welfare.
To find out more please contact Ella on:
07761 898330 (call, text or WhatsApp)
ella.balanceequine@gmail.com
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